Shirley MacLaine reveals how Downton Abbey has eclipsed her previous career — and why she wouldn’t have it any other way

At Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the City of London, the cast of Downton Abbey is
assembled to film this year’s Christmas special. The hall, modelled on an
Italian palazzo and swathed in more marble than a despot’s bathroom, doubles
as the interior for Buckingham Palace.

We are here for the presentation of Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James) to King
George V. Indeed, a royal flavour runs through the whole two-hour special —
in addition to Lady Rose’s coming out, the Prince of Wales (the playboy who
was to become Edward VIII, briefly) gets himself into a pickle, and it’s up
to the Crawleys to get him out of it. Everyone from the king himself to
Queen Mary, as well as the prince’s squeeze, Freda Dudley Ward, makes an
appearance. But if it’s real royalty you’re after, the court luncheon room
on the first floor is the place to be.